Cellular Labeling (S9124)

Overview

SNAP-tag fusion proteins can be expressed by transient or by stable transfection. For expression of fusion proteins with the SNAP-tag, refer to instructions supplied with the SNAP-tag plasmids. For cell culture and transfection methods, refer to established protocols.

Dissolve one vial of SNAP-tag substrate (50 nmol) in 50 µl of DMSO to yield a labeling stock solution of 1 mM SNAP-tag substrate. Mix by vortexing for 10 minutes until all the SNAP-tag substrate is dissolved. Store this stock solution in the dark at 4°C, or for extended storage at -20°C. Different stock concentrations can be made, depending on your requirements. The substrate is soluble up to at least 10 mM.

Protocol

Dilute the labeling stock solution 1:200 in medium to yield a labeling medium of 5 µM dye substrate. Mix dye with medium thoroughly by pipetting up and down 10 times (necessary for reducing backgrounds). For best performance, add the SNAP-tag substrate to complete medium, including serum (0.5% BSA can be used for experiments carried out in serum-free media). Do not prepare more medium with SNAP-tag substrate than you will consume within one hour.

Replace the medium on the cells expressing a SNAP-tag fusion protein with the SNAP-tag labeling medium and incubate at 37°C, 5% CO2 for 30 minutes.

Number of wells in plate

Recommended Volume for Cell Labeling

6

1 ml

12

500 µl

24

250 µl

48

100 µl

96

50 µl

These recommendations are for culturing cells in polystyrene plates. For confocal imaging, we recommend using chambered coverglass such as Lab-Tek II Chambered Coverglass which is available in a 1, 2, 4 or 8 well format from Nunc.

Wash the cells three times with tissue culture medium with serum.

Image the cells using an appropriate filter set. SNAP-tag fusion proteins labeled with SNAP-Surface 488 should have an excitation maximum at 506 nm and an emission maximum at 526 nm, and can be imaged with standard fluorescein filter sets.

We recommend routinely labeling one well of non-transfected or mock-transfected cells as a negative control.

Notes

Blocking unreacted SNAP-tag with SNAP-Surface® Block
In many cases the labeling of a non-transfected cell sample or a mock-transfected cell sample will be completely sufficient as a control. In some cases, however, it may be desirable to block the SNAP-tag activity in a cell sample expressing the SNAP-tag fusion protein to generate a control. This can be achieved using a nonfluorescent cell-impermeable SNAP-tag substrate, SNAP-Surface Block (C8-propanoic acid benzylguanine, CBG). SNAP-Surface Block may also be used in pulse-chase experiments to block the SNAP-tag reactivity during the chase between two pulse-labeling steps. A protocol for blocking is included with SNAP-Surface Block (NEB #S9143).

Optimizing Labeling
Optimal substrate concentrations and reaction times range from 1–10 µM and 15–60 minutes, respectively, depending on experimental conditions and expression levels of the SNAP-tag fusion protein. Best results are usually obtained at concentratons between 1 and 5 µM substrate and 30 minutes reaction time. Increasing substrate concentration and reaction time usually results in a higher background and does not necessarily increase the signal to background ratio.

Stability of Signal
The turnover rates of the SNAP-tag fusion protein under investigation may vary widely depending on the fusion partner. We have seen half-life values ranging from less than one hour to more than 12 hours. Where protein turnover is rapid, we recommend analyzing the cells under the microscope immediately after the labeling reaction or, if the application allows it, fixing the cells directly after labeling.

Fixation of Cells
After labeling the SNAP-tag fusion proteins, the cells can be fixed with standard fixation methods such as para-formaldehyde, ethanol, methanol, ethanol/acetone etc., without loss of signal. We are not aware of any incompatibility of the SNAP-tag label with any fixation method.

Counterstaining Cells can be counterstained with any live-cell dye that is compatible with the fluorescent properties of the SNAP-tag substrate for simultaneous microscopic detection. We routinely add 5 µM Hoechst 33342 to the medium prior to the first wash step (Step 3) as a DNA counterstain for nuclear visualization and leave this on the cells for 2 minutes prior to completing the wash steps. Counterstaining of cells is also possible after fixation and permeabilization.
Immunocytochemistry
Antibody labeling after SNAP-tag labeling and fixation of the cells should be possible according to standard protocols without loss of the SNAP-tag signal. The fixation conditions should be selected based on experience with the protein of interest. For example, some fixation methods destroy epitopes of certain proteins and therefore do not allow antibody staining afterwards.

Troubleshooting for Cellular Labeling
No Labeling If no labeling is seen, the most likely explanation is that the fusion protein is not expressed. Verify the transfection method to confirm that the cells contain the fusion gene of interest. If this is confirmed, check for expression of the SNAP-tag fusion protein via Western blot. If no antibody against the fusion partner is available, Anti-SNAP-tag Antibody (NEB #P9310) can be used. Alternatively, SNAP-Vista Green (NEB #S9147) can be used to confirm the presence of SNAP-tag fusion in cell extracts following SDS-PAGE, without the need for Western blotting.

Weak Labeling
Weak labeling may be caused by insufficient exposure of the fusion protein to the substrate. Try increasing the concentration of SNAP-tag substrate and/or the incubation time, following the guidelines described above. Alternatively the protein may be poorly expressed and/or turn over rapidly. If the protein has limited stability in the cell, it may help to analyze the samples immediately after labeling.

High Background Background fluorescence may be controlled by reducing the concentration of SNAP-tag substrate used, and by shortening the incubation time. The presence of fetal calf serum or BSA during the labeling incubation should reduce non-specific binding of substrate to surfaces.

Signal Strongly Reduced After Short Time
If the fluorescence signal decreases rapidly, it may be due to instability of the fusion protein. The signal may be stabilized by fixing the cells. Alternatively, try switching the SNAP-tag from the N- to the C-terminus or vice versa.

Photobleaching is not generally a problem as the SNAP-Suface 488 substrate is very photostable. However, if problems with photobleaching arise, addition of a commercially available anti-fade reagent may be helpful.

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